Scientific, evidenced-based instrument rates, recognizes workplace health programs and workforce heart health

(Greensburg – 9/13/2017) – The 2017 results of the American Heart Association Workplace Health Achievement Index were announced today and DCMH achieved Bronze level recognition for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace.

The American Heart Association created the Index with its CEO Roundtable members, a leadership collaborative of more than 30 CEOs from some of America’s largest companies who are committed to applying evidence-based approaches to improve their employees’ overall health. The Index uses science-based best practices to evaluate the overall quality and comprehensiveness of their workplace health programs. A unique feature of the Index is that it calculates an average heart health score for employees of participating companies that securely submit aggregate health data.

More than 800 companies completed the Index assessment this year and, of those companies, 67% received either Gold, Silver, or Bronze recognition. Companies receive benchmarking reports, which allow them to identify potential areas of improvement so that they can advance their annual performance and recognition.

“The Decatur County Memorial Hospital Wellness Program is designed to improve the overall health status of our employees and their spouses. Our program progresses each year as we strive to promote a culture of health and wellness amongst our workforce. Through strategic planning, implementation of health initiatives and senior leadership involvement, we have been able to create a program that has proven to be successful. The American Heart Association Workplace Health Achievement Index is just one of the many resources we use to evaluate our Wellness Program. As we move forward, we plan to continue evolving our program in hopes of making a positive impact on our employees.”   -Janine Walter, DCMH Wellness Coordinator.

The Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index allows companies to measure the effectiveness of their workplace health programs, as well as the overall heart health of their employees. Unlike other existing organizational scorecards, the Index also scores companies on the heart health of their employees based on Life’s Simple 7® – the Association’s scientifically validated definition of ideal heart health. The American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index assessment is grounded in data-driven science, and a quality improvement framework. According to the Nielsen 2016 Employee Health Survey, robust and comprehensive strategies for well-being are associated with positive impacts on employees’ health.